Saint Mark’s Church in Penn Yan
is a sanctuary where all of God’s people grow, flourish, and rejoice.
We are a vibrant community of believers committed to living out their baptismal covenant in rural Yates County. Saint Mark’s has a long-running history of passionate engagement in social justice issues, centered around advocacy for the most marginalized members of society, including the LGBTQ+ community, people of racial diversity, migrant/immigrant populations, and the hungry, aged, and infirm. We faithfully live into our reputation of being the “progressive church” in Yates County, and do it proudly! Led by The Rev. Columba Salamony since June 2022, the congregation has rededicated itself to visible service in the community and continues to advocate for many causes. We are a congregation of DO-ers in a world where there’s a lot to be done!
We center our life of action in prayer and study to nourish us for the work we do in the world. Many of our members participate in weekly activities centered around formation, study, and worship. We have recently hosted formation series on LGBTQ+ issues and end-of-life preparation, and we have co-hosted a series on immigrant justice with the Penn Yan Action Coalition. Our members participate in weekly bible study, our ReMARKable Readers study group, a weekly “Grub Theology” dinner and discussion group, and several opportunities to pray the Daily Office together, in person and on Zoom.
Saint Mark’s hosts a monthly discussion series on LGBTQ+ issues, a weekly Vigil Against Gun Violence, and a bi-monthly contemplative Gathering for Peace. Saint Mark’s is a proud affiliate of the Penn Yan Action Coalition, the Finger Lakes Justice Partnership, Keuka Compass (a local LGBTQ+ organization), Penn Yan Pride, Finger Lakes Pride, the Penn Yan Area Council of Churches, the Penn Yan Downtown Business Council, Literacy Volunteers, and many other local organizations. Members of the community serve on boards of various community organizations, including the Living Well, Cobblestone Springs Retreat Center, Penn Yan Rotary, Family Counseling Center of the Finger Lakes, Saint Mark’s Terrace (a senior housing complex started by Saint Mark’s in 1972), Milly’s Pantry, Yates Concert Series, Habitat for Humanity, Keuka Comfort Care Home, ProAction, Friends of the Penn Yan Library, among others.
We collaborate faithfully with our ecumenical neighbors in the Village of Penn Yan and are always looking for ways to bring the People of God together.
